Do the ISVAs tell the police what I say?

The ISVA and ChISVA services are confidential and entirely independent from other agencies. The only situation that may require an ISVA to share any of your information is where a child or vulnerable person may be at risk of harm. ISVAs do not share information with the police, although sometimes the police or CPS may request a copy of ISVA records as part of their investigation. These will not be shared without your consent and you can discuss any concerns you have about confidentiality with your ISVA at your first meeting. Our confidentiality policy is also available for download if you want further information.

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Testimonials

Every victim and every victim supporter needs to be given the opportunity to attend one of these groups. They are absolutely invaluable and an essential part of the therapeutic journey to recovery and surviving an assault.

[It helped] to have someone listen and believe what I say.

They are doing a great job offering support to rape victims in the community, make them open up about how they feel, it is great they are available to talk to, because they are something you do not want to discuss with family or friends. Just because we all think they will be judgemental.

I will never be able to thank my ISVA enough for everything.

It was nice to have an unbiased person to listen + not tell me I'm wrong.

The encouragement and support and having a safe space to openly talk and not be judged for it

Talking with my therapist […] was really helpful for many aspects of my life.

[My counselling was] non-judgemental, [a] safe space to talk and cry.

[I valued] being able to open up to someone that's not connected with my family.

The kind way I was listened to, believed and not judged. I was helped to see that I was a victim, not responsible for my ill-treatment.

I talked to the police before having an ISVA. CRCC gave me phone support regarding what rights I have [and] what the interview would be like.

It was great being able to talk to someone about things in my life.

The lady I spoke with [when I self-referred to the ISVA service] was warm, welcoming, helpful and replied to my on-line message the same day if not the next day. My ISVA contacted me just 5 days after my initial call.

My ISVA did so much for me and I couldn't have asked for more.

[I valued] having the support from a really nice counsellor. I felt safe and the help was amazing with coping strategies.

[My counsellor] was an incredible listener and gave me confidence for everyday life. Understanding the emotions surrounding rape was also useful.

[I value] the fact I was able to talk about things in my own time and pace. Not feeling pressured at all. I felt listened to and more importantly, believed.

She was kind and caring and dealt with my daughter and I with compassion.

[The counselling was] a space to talk about my worries and insecurities surrounding abuse without it being difficult.

There have been no intrusive questions. I don't have to mention details, which make me feel uncomfortable. Everyone is understanding and really friendly. I value that the support is free and in such a nice environment. Everyone believes you.

You don't know what you need to know until you experience abuse. CRCC has made it an easier road to navigate and I feel totally supported at a time we thought we would not survive!

I had no idea what to expect and I was very nervous but soon realised that it was okay and I did not need to worry.

It was a way to express emotions in a safe environment.

[It helped] having a supportive counsellor. Feeling listened to and believed.

[It helped] being able to share my life story and understand how it's changed me in a nice environment, and having someone who listened and helped me understand.

I'm not really sure if I can find the words to say how grateful I am for being given the recent counselling.
It has changed my life immeasurably, and got me through some really difficult things and thoughts. I have no idea how I would have got through it without the support I have received. From challenging me on negative thoughts, helping me find hope and understanding to encouraging me to take time out from work when I really needed it, I can't imagine how anyone could have done a better job.

[My counsellor] is fantastic! She is calm, empathetic, real in her responses. Her honesty and demeanour made it easier to get past my trust issues and get down to "work". The fact that the sessions are free made me feel like the time was a precious gift and therefore I had to use the time responsibly.

Counselling has had a massive influence on me and get through one of the most difficult times of my life so far. [My counsellor] has been amazing and taught me how to trust again, deal with my feelings in a more positive and productive way & I am so incredibly grateful for being given this time and support.

[The group] allowed me to explore new techniques and subject matters, and has put me in touch with some amazing women. Just the feeling of support and non-judgement alone was awesome.